There are ensembles HM wears that I love, some I like, some I sort of like, some I want to like and a few I dislike and less I dislike intensely. She wears so very many ensembles that it is impossible to pull a stunner all the time. I have to admit that although florals are a big thing this season, in general, they do her no favours making her look both shorter and wider. For me the more subtle it is the better.
Elizabeth really shines in block colours, or with a gorgeous coat over a very soft and feminine floral dress. Even so, it is hard in the spring and summer when HM continues to use black shoes and handbags. Many times they jar with the softness of the ensemble.
However, this symphony in blue is one of those amazing ensembles that both define and enhance her presentation, the type of ensemble you remember for good or ill. This time it is, once again very, very good. The blue is deep enough to be light blue without being a washed out pastel and, with the addition of her mother's glorious aquamarine Art Deco brooch, I am loath to call a definitive colour.
Let's start with her straw hat which is not some interesting but unique shape or colour and is not languishing under positive garden bouquet. No the lines of the hat are clean and elegant with a flat crown and perfectly angled brim. The embellishments are mono colour straw ribbons with a perfectly sized bow made of the same straw ribbon. The gorgeous colour matching her ensemble perfectly.
Her dress and matching coat are a beautifully silky embossed aquamarine blue which with HM's white hair is positively magical and does wonders for her blue eyes. The discreet little bow that ties the coat together just belong the bustline is just perfect, no row of buttons and such to clutter the look. And her obligatory Garden Party Accessory, a bespoke Fulton umbrella with a matching trim and handle and her ubiquitous black handbag and shoes which somehow look right. White would have looked awful I think.
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Garden+Party+Buckingham+Palace+A0sk2XBAQ0Gl.jpg
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Garden+Party+Buckingham+Palace+t2qzAVjbiR3l.jpg
I know this is an "old" look, (last seen at a 2014 Garden Party) but it is a definitively QE look and it is the kind of picture I carry with me when I think of her "on the job". Streamlined, unfussy, and enjoying the day.